Development of a model to support the practice for the introduction of new drugs into the NHS in Malta

The proliferation of new drugs challenges clinicians to keep abreast of new developments and to integrate clinical expertise with the best available clinical evidence. Pressures of the introduction (and cost) of new drugs and technologies, an aging population and the increasing expectations of patients are forcing policy makers in developed countries to look at how they are to control the increasing cost of health care. The pharmaceutical industry is keen to recover the costs spent on research and development of new pharmaceuticals. Increasingly economic analyses are being used to justify policies and the use of resources, by introducing measures of cost and quality as well as effectiveness. Moreover decisions on what should and should not be funded from public funds will be influenced by the overall framework of national aims and objectives, by professional opinion and public values. Linking clinical and financial aspects of drug use requires expanded skills for clinicians, policy makers and for those who make decisions to include drugs on formulary. Moreover, formulary management activities are increasingly being evaluated in terms of their impact on overall disease management not just acquisition costs. A model of the practice is being developed to provide a discipline in understanding the nature of the local practice and in exploring options for future policy and action. The development of the model will lead to a concurrent progress of the practice. The project is at the stage of assessment and situation analysis. A concerted effort will be indispensable for the realisation of this project. This conference groups together all the parties involved including policy makers, clinicians and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry. The opportunity is being taken to introduce the project, to obtain feedback for its implementation and to encourage cooperation from all concerned and the objectives of the project will be used to motivate contribution.